The Church of Scientology

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“I'd like to start a religion. That's where the money is.” L Ron Hubbard

The Church of Scientology began in the year 1953 and is one of the world's newest religions. In this essay I will address three questions: Who was L Ron Hubbard? What is the doctrine of Scientology? How does Scientology qualify as a religion?

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911 in the town of Tilden, Nebraska and died on January 24, 1986. His nickname growing up was “Flash,” but later in life he was referred to by his initials “LRH.” Since his father was an US naval officer he moved frequently and traveled extensively in Asia and the South Pacific.

Hubbard was admitted to George Washington University in September 1930 to study Civil Engineering. He later claimed to have followed a course of study in nuclear physics graduating with a degree in engineering. He was a very poor student and received grades of mostly “Ds” and “Fs” except for English and physical education. His official George Washington University record indicates that he flunked out in September 1931 and never earned a degree.

Growing up LRH was an avid adventurist. He joined The Explorer's Club in 1940 and was involved in a number of adventures including an expedition to the Aleutian Islands attempting to update the Coast Guard Pilot guide to the coast lines of Alaska. He even claimed to have once roped a Kodiak bear. He was known for telling “tall tales” and was described as someone with an “incorrigible ability to float above the evidence,” a talent that would serve him well as a prolific writer of science fiction and fantasy stories.

The Church of Scientology has a completely different story about just about every aspect of Hubbard's life story. ...

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...ogy survives and flourishes in the same way diets do. As long as people would like to lose weight easily but cannot, there will always be a new promising diet clamoring for their money. And as long as people are frustrated with their lives, careers, or relationships, someone will come forward with the divine secret of happiness and contentment available to those who are willing to believe and spread some silver around.

1. Inside Scientology (2011) by Janet Reitman

2. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief (2013) by Lawrence Wright

3. Why People Believe Weird Things (1997) by Michael Shermer

Works Cited

1. Inside Scientology (2011) by Janet Reitman

2. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief (2013) by Lawrence Wright

3. Why People Believe Weird Things (1997) by Michael Shermer

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